Not Alia Bhatt or Kiara Advani, meet the rising star reportedly chosen for play Bollywood icon Madhubala's biopic

For several years, discussions about a biographical film on legendary screen icon Madhubala have repeatedly surfaced in entertainment news. Fans and cinema enthusiasts have been especially curious about which performer will eventually portray the celebrated star on screen. Recent reports now suggest that rising actor Aneet Padda has been chosen to take on the challenging lead role in the much-anticipated project.

According to a report published by Filmfare, the young actor has already signed on for the film and is expected to headline the production. While official information about the storyline, schedule, and additional cast members remains limited, early indications claim that filming may begin in the near future. However, the same report also mentioned that a representative from Yash Raj Films dismissed these claims, suggesting that the casting news has not yet been formally confirmed.

The upcoming biographical drama is being directed by filmmaker Jasmeet K. Reen, who previously gained attention for helming the dark comedy drama Darlings. The production team is expected to share further updates regarding the film’s cast and creative details in the coming months as the project moves closer to production.


Before establishing herself as a promising face in the industry, Aneet Padda had a brief appearance in the 2022 film Salaam Venky, which featured Kajol in the leading role. Though her screen time in the film was limited, the experience introduced her to the environment of a major movie set and allowed her to gain valuable exposure early in her career.

The actor later stepped into the digital space with her first web series, Big Girls Don’t Cry, released in 2024. The show helped her reach a broader audience and offered viewers a glimpse of her acting potential, gradually strengthening her position as a newcomer with promise.

Her biggest breakthrough arrived with the romantic drama Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri. In the film, she appeared opposite debutant Ahaan Panday. The project proved to be a turning point, significantly increasing her popularity among younger audiences and drawing the attention of filmmakers and casting professionals.

Recently, Padda also received recognition at the News18 Showsha Reel Awards, where she was honoured with the Star of the Year title. During her acceptance speech, she expressed deep gratitude for cinema and acknowledged the film Saiyaara and its team for playing a transformative role in her journey within the industry.